Home Office

Asylum: Children

lord hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any progress was made at the recent European Council on the issue of the protection, support, education, and health of unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors already in European countries; and on the early identification of those who have close family links with the UK.

baroness williams of trafford: The focus of the June European Council was migration, there was no specific discussion of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. The Council agreed to reform the Common European Asylum System which provides minimum standards for the treatment of all asylum seekers and the functioning of the Dublin Regulation.The Government continues to work closely with EU Member States to enact the safe transfers of unaccompanied children who have claimed asylum in another Member State to be transferred here to have their asylum claim assessed if they have a qualifying family member legally present in the UK and transfer would be in their best interests.

Airports: Immigration Controls

lord taylor of warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment theyhave made of reports that long queues at passport controlat UK airportsmay affect levels of tourism.

baroness williams of trafford: The number of visitors to the UK continues to grow, with record levels of visitors in 2017. We recognise the importance of the experience at the border for visitors and every effort is made to keep delays at the border to a minimum while always maintaining the security of the UK Border. Border Force is taking a number of steps to ensure passengers pass through the border as quickly as possible, including through investment in technology and increasing the availability of staff at the busiest times of the day.

Immigration

viscount waverley: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Williams of Trafford on 25 June (HL8588), whether references to family members include non-EU citizens who are the (1) spouses, (2) civil partners, and (3) durable partners of UK citizens (a) before, and (b) after the UK leaves the EU.

viscount waverley: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Williams of Trafford on 14 May (HL7540), whether references to family members include non-EU citizens who are the (1) spouses, (2) civil partners, and (3) durable partners of UK citizens (a) before, and (b) after the UK leaves the EU.

viscount waverley: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Williams of Trafford on 8 May (HL7441), whether references to family members include non-EU citizens who are the (1) spouses, (2) civil partners, and (3) durable partners of UK citizens (a) before, and (b) after the UK leaves the EU.

baroness williams of trafford: In line with the Surinder Singh caselaw, except where the family members are EU citizens exercising Treaty rights, the spouses and civil partners of UK nationals have EU law residence rights in the UK only in limited circumstances. This is where they have resided together as family members in another EU Member State where the UK national was genuinely exercising their Treaty rights, before returning to the UK. This provision does not extend to durable partners.Although not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, it is our intention that spouses and civil partners of UK nationals who have genuinely exercised their free movement rights in another EU Member State before returning to the UK before the end of the implementation period, on 31 December 2020, will also be eligible to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. As per Surinder Singh, we do not intend for the relevant provisions of the scheme to extend to durable partners of British citizens.

Entry Clearances: Overseas Students

lord bilimoria: To ask Her Majesty's Government what criteria they used to determine which countries qualified for the recent relaxation of Tier 4 visa requirements for overseas students; and of those, which were not met by India.

baroness williams of trafford: The addition of new countries and competent authorities to Appendix H is based on objective data. The factors which are considered include the volume of students from a country and their Tier 4 immigration compliance risk. We will keep Appendix H under review, adding and removing countries and competent authorities from this list, based on objective criteria at each refresh.

Asylum: Children

lord hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what responses they received to letters from the then Home Secretary to her counterparts in 2017 in France, Greece and Italy inviting referrals of eligible unaccompanied asylum-seeking children for transfer to the UK; how many referrals have been made since; and how many have been accepted.

baroness williams of trafford: The previous Home Secretary received responses from each of the participating States and we have since been working with each of them at a Ministerial and official level to ensure safe transfer of unaccompanied children to the UK. We have received referrals from all participating States and the process is ongoing.We remain fully committed to delivering our commitment to transfer the specified number of 480 children under section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 and are working very closely with participating States, to deliver the scheme in line with their national laws. Over 220 children are already in the UK. We will not provide a running commentary on numbers and will publish the details once all children are in the UK.

Asylum: Children

lord hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they made of the willingness of families, churches and rotary groups to sponsor and care for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children when they announced in April 2017 that they UK would take 480 children from Europe.

baroness williams of trafford: Under the Children Act 1989, and relevant legislation in the devolved nations, local authorities have a responsibility to look after children in need in their jurisdiction. In accordance with section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016, we consulted with local authorities on their capacity to care for unaccompanied children before announcing the specified number of 480. This is in addition to the over 4,500 unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC), already in local authority care in the UK. In light of this statutory duty, we have no plans to extend caring responsibilities for unaccompanied asylum seeking children in this way.A scheme to allow community groups to directly sponsor a resettled refugee family was launched by the then Home Secretary and Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth Palace on 19 July 2016. The Full Community Sponsorship scheme enables community groups including charities, faith groups, churches and businesses, to take on the role of supporting resettled refugees in the UK. A ‘Help Refugees in the UK’ webpage has also been developed on GOV.UK to make it easier for the public to support refugees in the UK and allow local authorities to focus support on the goods and services that refugees need.

Immigration Controls

lord jones of cheltenham: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will consider banning trophy hunters from the United States and elsewhere from entering the UK.

baroness williams of trafford: There is no specific provision in the Immigration Rules or in the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2016 to ban trophy hunters from entering the UK.Non-EEA nationals may be refused entry on the basis of their character, conduct or associations, or where their offending has caused serious harm. EEA nationals may be refused admission on the grounds of public policy, public security or public health.

Immigrants: Health Services

lord marlesford: To ask Her Majesty's Government what was the revenue from the immigration health surcharge for each year since it was introduced; and what is the estimated revenue for the current year.

baroness williams of trafford: The Immigration Health Surcharge was introduced in April 2015. Information on income collected from Immigration Health Surcharge payments since then is reported annually in the Home Office Annual Report and Accounts.Information on income collected for the 2015/16 financial year can be found on pages 134 & 135 of the following report:https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/539638/HO_AR_16_gov.pdfInformation on income collected for the 2016/17 financial year can be found on page 117 of the following report:https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/627853/ho_annual_report_and_accounts_2016_2017.pdfInformation on income collected for the 2017/18 financial year will be made available in the 2017/18 Home Office Statement of Accounts which is due to be laid in the House on 12 July 2018.In relation to the estimated revenue for the current year, by precedent, the Home Office does not release current year data until the accounts are closed and the figures audited by the National Audit Office. The NAO’s role is to inspect and agree the accounts: were we to release any estimates/figures now, we may later find that the auditors will ask us to amend/change the figures, rendering any early releases of data incorrect. Consequently, we may need to re-issue the answer to the PQ, because parliament would have been misled. Information on income collected for the current financial year will be made available in the 2018/19 Home office Statement of Accounts.



HO Annual Report - 2015-16 - Page 115 
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HO Annual Report 2015-16 - Page 134
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Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Israeli Settlements

baroness tonge: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byLord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 25 June (HL8532), what action they intend to take following the plans by Israel to construct a further 3,000 settlement units in the West Bank.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We will continue to raise our concerns about Israel's plans for further settlements with the Israeli authorities. The British Government's position is clear, settlements are illegal under international law, present an obstacle to peace, and threaten the physical viability of a two-state solution.

Nigeria: Religious Freedom

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the attack on 30 June on the home of Benjamin Kwashi, the Nigerian Archbishop of Jos and General Secretary of the Global Anglican Futures Conference, which left one civilian dead; and whether they have taken any action to raise the plight of those subject to attacks by Fulani militia with the government of Nigeria.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We condemn the recent attack in Jos, Plateau state, which included an attack on the home of the Nigerian Archbishop and General Secretary of the Global Anglican Futures Conference. We are saddened by the loss of lives.We have raised the Farmer Herder violence regularly with state and federal government. The High Commission has raised it with the governors of a number of affected states (Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, Kano). The High Commissioner raised the broad issue of insecurity and the need for an end to violence during a call on the Vice President. Officials have also raised the issue of Freedom of Religion and tensions between religious communities, specifically with state officials in Borno and Yobe during a visit there in May.This issue has also been raised with Abba Kyari, President Buhari's Chief of Staff. It is imperative that the Nigerian government works with the affected populations to develop a solution that meets the needs of all the communities affected. We welcome President Buhari's engagement on this issue and his commitment to prioritise ending violence in Northern Nigeria. We join his call on all parties to find a peaceful solution to the complex underlying causes of these incidents and will continue to work with the Nigerian Government, NGOs and civil society to improve the security situation and human rights for all the people of Nigeria.

Ministry of Justice

Deportation: Appeals

lord green of deddington: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the Tribunal Procedure Committee has reached a decision regarding the implementation of the Government’s proposals to cap the time between an initial Home Office decision to remove a detained foreign criminal or failed asylum seeker and the conclusion of their appeal to the First-tier Tribunal; and if so what that decision was.

lord keen of elie: The Tribunal Procedure Committee has considered the Government’s policy proposals. Before making a decision about new rules for detained appellants it will hold a consultation, in accordance with the provisions of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007.

Trials: Females

baroness corston: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many women have appeared as defendants before (1) judges, and (2) magistrates, in the last five years for which figures are available.

lord keen of elie: The Ministry of Justice does not hold the data for how many women have appeared as defendants before judges or magistrates, but the department does hold data on how many women were proceeded against at Magistrates Courts and Crown Courts. This data is set out in the table below. Table 1: Number of female defendants dealt with at magistrates' court and Crown Court, 2013 to 2017 (a)(b)(c)2013201420152016 Number of prosecutions at magistrates' court (d)340,603360,830368,580359,036 Number dealt with at Crown Court (e)(f)10,45410,80411,3939,899   Source: Ministry of Justice Court Proceedings Database   (a) Defendants committed for trial or sentencing from the magistrates' to the Crown Court and dealt with within the same year will be counted twice.   (b) If an individual is proceeded against on separate occasions within a year they will be counted twice.   (c) A defendant who is committed from magistrates’ courts to the Crown Court may not have both courts' processes complete within the same year, in which case they would be counted for each stage in the year that the court where it took place completed. Defendants who appear before both courts may also be convicted at the Crown Court for a different offence to that for which they are counted as having been originally proceeded against at magistrates’ court, where the offence is changed after committal.   (d) The proportion of defendants who appear in person before a Magistrate is unknown, as some cases can be dealt with dealt with remotely such as Single Justice Procedure cases.  (e) Includes total for trial at Crown Court and Convicted at magistrates' courts (committed for sentencing).   (f) Figures for defendants dealt with at the Crown Court include individuals who were not tried.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Retail Trade: Urban Areas

lord kennedy of southwark: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the importance of the high street in England for communities; and of the future of the high street.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: High streets are a crucial part of our communities. The Government is determined to see our Great British high streets thriving now, and in the future. We want to see vibrant hubs where people live, shop, use services, and spend their leisure time, and that includes a welcoming and safe night-time economy.This is why I have announced that my Department will launch a call for evidence over the summer looking at the future of our high street. I intend to establish an expert panel of industry leaders to draw on their experience and expertise to diagnose the issues currently affecting the health of our high streets and advise on the best approach for their revival.In addition, during Great British High Street Week in July, Ministers from my Department and across government are currently visiting high streets to discuss the issues they face.

Non-domestic Rates

lord kennedy of southwark: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the fairness of business rates in England.

lord bourne of aberystwyth: The Government undertook a fundamental review of business rates in 2016 and decided to retain business rates as a property tax. Recognising the pressures on business the Government has since introduced a range of business rates reforms and measures to support businesses worth over £10 billion by 2023, including permanently doubling Small Business Rate Relief and raising the threshold for relief, meaning that 600,000 small businesses now pay no rates, and helping all businesses by switching the measure of inflation from Retail Price Index to Consumer Price Index.

The Senior Deputy Speaker

Hereditary Peers: By-elections

lord grocott: To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker,  following the notice of Lord Northbourne's intention to retire, which peers will be eligible to (1) stand as candidates, and (2) vote, in the subsequent hereditary peers by-elections.

lord mcfall of alcluith: 1) The list of peers eligible to stand as candidates in the forthcoming Crossbench hereditary peers’ by-election is as follows;  Abergavenny, M.De L’Isle, V.Latymer, L.Poole, L.Addison, V.De Ramsey, L.Lauderdale, E.Powerscourt, V. (L. Powerscourt)Ailsa, M.Devonport, V.Lawrence, L.Rathcavan, L.Albemarle, E.Drogheda, E. (L. Moore)Layton, L.Ravensdale, L.Aldenham, L.Dudley, E.Leathers, V.Reay, L.Aldington, L.Dudley, L.Leicester, E.Renwick, L.Alexander of Tunis, E.Dundonald, E.Leven and Melville, E.Richmond, Lennox and Gordon, D.Ampthill, L.Durham, E.Lichfield, E.Robertson of Oakridge, L.Annaly, L.Effingham, E.Limerick, E. (L. Foxford)Rowallan, L.Ashbourne, L.Eldon, E.Lloyd-George of Dwyfor, E.Runciman of Doxford, V.Ashcombe, L.Elibank, L.Lonsdale, E.Russell, E.Aylesford, E.Ellenborough, L.Lucan, E. (L. Bingham)Rutland, D.Balfour, E.Enniskillen, E. (L. Grinstead)Mackintosh of Halifax, V.St Davids, V.Beaufort, D.Ferrers, E.McNair, L.St Levan, L.Bedford, D.Fisher, L.Macpherson of Drumochter, L.Savile, L.Belper, L.Fortescue, E.Margadale, L.Scarbrough, E.Bethell, L.Gage, V. (L. Gage)Margesson, V.Seaford, L.Biddulph, L.Gainford, L.Marlborough, D.Sempill, L.Bolton, L.Gainsborough, E.Massereene and Ferrard, V. (L. Oriel)Shaftesbury, E.Boston, L.Gladwyn, L.Melville, V.Snowdon, E.Braybrooke, L.Glenconner, L.Merthyr, L.Somerleyton, L.Brentford, V.Glendyne, L.Meston, L.Southampton, L.Bridges, L.Gormanston, V. (L. Gormanston)Middleton, L.Spens, L.Bristol, M.Grafton, D.Milford, L.Stansgate, V.Bruntisfield, L.Grantley, L.Milner of Leeds, L.Stockton, E.Buccleuch and Queensberry, D.Gray, L.Milverton, L.Strange, L.Burnham, L.Grimston of Westbury, L.Minto, E.Strathcarron, L.Cadman, L.Grimthorpe, L.Monckton of Brenchley, V.Sudeley, L.Cairns, E.Hacking, L.Monk Bretton, L.Sutherland, D.Calverley, L.Haddington, E.Monkswell, L.Swansea, L.Camoys, L.Halifax, E.Monson, L.Swinton, E.Camrose, V.Hamilton and Brandon, D.Moran, L.Temple of Stowe, E.Carew, L.Hamilton of Dalzell, L.Morris, L.Terrington, L.Carlisle, E.Hampton, L.Morris of Kenwood, L.Teviot, L.Carnarvon, E.Hankey, L.Morton, E.Teynham, L.Cawley, L.Harlech, L.Mostyn, L.Tollemache, L.Clanwilliam, E. (L. Clanwilliam)Harrowby, E.Mountgarret, V. (L. Mountgarret)Torrington, V.Clifford of Chudleigh, L.Hayter, L.Mowbray, Segrave and Stourton, L.Tryon, L.Clydesmuir, L.Hemphill, L.Napier and Ettrick, L.Vernon, L.Cobham, V.Herbert, L.Napier of Magdâla, L.Vivian, L.Cochrane of Cults, L.Hereford, V.Nathan, L.Weir, V.Combermere, V.Hill, V.Nelson of Stafford, L.Wemyss and March, E.Cranbrook, E.Hindlip, L.Newall, L.Wharton, L.Cromer, E.HolmPatrick, L.Noel-Buxton, L.Wigram, L.Dacre, B.Hood, V.Norrie, L.Wilton, E.Darcy de Knayth, L.Iddesleigh, E.Nunburnholme, L.Windlesham, L.Daresbury, L.Ironside, L.Ogmore, L.Wise, L.Darling, L.Iveagh, E.Onslow, E.Woolton, E.Darnley, E. (Clifton, L.)Kenilworth, L.Oranmore and Browne, L. (L. Mereworth)Wynford, L.Daventry, V.Kennet, L.Oxfuird, V.Yarborough, E.Davidson, V.Kilbracken, L.Parmoor, L. Davies, L.Kilmarnock, L.Penrhyn, L. De La Warr, E.Kimberley, E.Polwarth, L.  2) The list of peers eligible to vote in the forthcoming Crossbench hereditary peers’ by-election is as follows; Aberdare, L.Brookeborough, V.Clancarty, E.Colville of Culross, V.Cork and Orrery, E.Craigavon, V.Cromwell, L.Erroll, E.Falkland, V.Freyberg, L.Greenway, L.Hylton, L.Kinnoull, E.Listowel, E.Lytton, E.Mar, C.Mountevans, L.Palmer, L.Peel, E.Rosslyn, E.Russell of Liverpool, L.St John of Bletso, L.Sandwich, E.Slim, V.Somerset, D.Stair, E.Thurlow, L.Trevethin and Oaksey, L.Vaux of Harrowden, L.Waverley, V. Note: The Earl of Devon will be eligible when he has taken the Oath.

Hereditary Peers: By-elections

lord grocott: To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker,  following the notice of Lord Northbourne's intention to retire, how much the subsequent hereditary by-election will cost the House Administration to run.

lord mcfall of alcluith: The costs for the forthcoming Crossbench hereditary peers’ by-election are expected to be similar to those for the last Crossbench hereditary peers’ by-election held on 4 July 2018. The total cost to the House of Lords for the services provided by Electoral Reform Services (ERS) in respect of the July 2018 by-election was £1,140. This includes VAT at 20%. This is in addition to the cost of House of Lords staff time spent organising the by-election which forms part of their normal duties and is not costed separately.